Hollywood Canteen

Postcard Gift of Cherie Messore, The National World War II Museum, Inc., 2006.046

On October 3, 1942, the Hollywood Canteen opened its doors in a former livery stable at 1451 Cahuenga Boulevard. Modeled after and affiliated with the Stage Door Canteens founded by the American Theatre Wing, the Hollywood Canteen was to become a haven for servicemen—a place where they could enjoy entertainment and dancing free of worry and free of charge. The opening was a spectacular affair with tickets sold for bleacher seats at $100 a piece, ultimately raising $10,000. The Hollywood Canteen’s President Bette Davis recalled that it was so crowded that she had to climb through a window to enter. The décor played on the western theme– the sign was made of rope lettering and chandeliers were constructed from old wagon wheels and retrofitted kerosene lanterns. The piano was donated by Cary Grant. In the Hollywood Canteen’s 3 years (ending on Thanksgiving Day 1945), over 3,000 volunteers, many famous stars among them entertained nearly four million servicemen. Three million packs of cigarettes were distributed; six million pieces of cake; 125,000 gallons of milk; and nine million cups of coffee were served. When the Hollywood Canteen closed after the war, the $500,000 surplus was applied to veteran’s relief funds.

Visit the Stage Door Canteen at The National WWII Museum for live entertainment and also to see artifacts related to the Hollywood and Stage Door Canteens.
This post by National WWII Museum Curator Kimberly Guise